Respiratory Therapist 2 (Career) - UCLA West Valley Medical Center in West Hills, CA for UCLA (2024)

FAQs

How much do respiratory therapists make at UCLA? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Respiratory Therapist at UCLA Health is $97K–$138K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay.

Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide: California

The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in California is $40.35 per hour. This is 9% lower than the US average of $43.90. Estimate based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Currently, we have three schools of respiratory therapy that gain invaluable clinical experience here at UCLA.

The average Respiratory Therapist base salary at Kaiser Permanente is $127K per year.

Respiratory therapists need at minimum and associates degree in order to be considered for a position within the field, although more advanced degrees are strongly preferred. A bachelor's degree or master's degree may lead to more job opportunities and growth later in your career.

Burnout is a significant concern for respiratory therapists due to the demanding nature of their work. They often find themselves in critical care situations, where the emotional intensity of their interactions with patients can accumulate and result in exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness.

Respiratory therapists can increase their wages by continuing their education to become a registered RT or obtain certifications in a specialized population like pediatrics. It is common for RTs to be paid more based on their years of experience.

It usually takes about two years or less to complete an associate degree program. The Respiratory Therapy program at American Career College can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Requiring higher education in the form of an associate's or bachelor's, alongside certification recognized by the NBRC, the steps to become a respiratory therapist may be difficult. Paired with the job's occasional long hours and associated stress, respiratory therapy is not for the weak of heart.

Do respiratory therapists need math? ›

Respiratory therapists need a combination of hard and soft skills to work closely with patients and medical staff. Necessary hard skills are typically gained through an associate degree program with anatomy, physiology and math courses.

To become a respiratory care practitioner, one must complete a 4-year bachelor's degree, pass the MCAT, complete medical school and finish a 2-year pulmonology fellowship, while registered respiratory therapists need a 2-year associate's degree and hands-on or military training.

The salary starts at $93,455 per year (estimate) and goes up to $113,606 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.

$62,200 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $110,000 is the 75th percentile.

The average nicu respiratory therapist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $110,604 per year or $53.18 per hour. Entry level positions start at $84,334 per year while most experienced workers make up to $132,548 per year.